Targa top Noises
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 549
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From: Castle Pines Colorado
Targa top Noises
I know there is a sticky for the targa top noises but I didn't think it applied to 2010's. Does anyone know why the solid tops on the 2010's make so much noise? It is small cracking sounds when the body flexes. Any ideas?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
The basic problems of inevitable body flex and weatherstrip binding did not go away.
Of course your top might be defective, but probably you just need to lube the weatherstrip & latchplates. If that's not enough, go through the bulletin or have you dealer do it if you trust them.
But it's all worthwhile when you take the top off on a warm summer evening!
Of course your top might be defective, but probably you just need to lube the weatherstrip & latchplates. If that's not enough, go through the bulletin or have you dealer do it if you trust them.
But it's all worthwhile when you take the top off on a warm summer evening!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Eastern
My top is a transparent one. Once I lube the weatherstripping, lube the hinges etc, all is quiet..until the next time I take the top off. So far, each time it has been off, when I put it back on, it starts snapping and cracking..I relube and noise goes away.
What are people using for lube on their top weathestripping and pins????
What are people using for lube on their top weathestripping and pins????
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Pittsburgh PA
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
My top is a transparent one. Once I lube the weatherstripping, lube the hinges etc, all is quiet..until the next time I take the top off. So far, each time it has been off, when I put it back on, it starts snapping and cracking..I relube and noise goes away.
What are people using for lube on their top weathestripping and pins????
What are people using for lube on their top weathestripping and pins????
I have the same problem with my transparent top. Fine until I take it off and put it back on.
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
I'd be interested in talking with you some more about the roof panel noises you are experiencing. If you are willing to discuss please send me a PM or an email or alternatively, get me your phone number and I'll give you a call.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Pittsburgh PA
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Does it make a difference?
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
I noticed that when I had the problem after having the top off, when I put it back on, I latched the rear first, then closed the front latches. It creaked badly. I pulled over after about 20 minutes of driving with the creaks, lifted the top off and re-latched it, this time latching the front first then the single rear latch last. No more creaks.
Does it make a difference?
Does it make a difference?
The order in which you latch the panel on can contribute to the way the panel interacts with the seals around the windshield and b pillar and if the rear latch is tight and causes the panel to tip slightly it can create a slip/stick with the front rollers and gasket.
I always latch the panel in place once I set it in with the front latches first and the rear latch last. Just habit.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 767
From: Lindenhurst, IL
My dealer ordered the new latches for my 08. I'm waiting for them to come in.
Mine has the "old" roller design.
I've found that if I keep the weatherstripping & rollers well lubricated, I don't get any noise.
But, like others have mentioned, my top does make a little noise once I remove & reinstall it.
While waiting for the new latches, I tried a little test.....I completely wiped down the weatherstripping, as dry as I could get it.
But, I re-lubed the depressions where the rollers rest, when the latches are closed.
Guess what? No noise.
As I suspected, (on my car) most of the noise is coming from the rollers.....or, from the friction between the rollers & the metal they rest on. When the body flexes, there has to be some movement at that point.
I wouldn't doubt that there is still some friction noise between the "fixed rollers" on the new latches & the metal.
Mine has the "old" roller design.
I've found that if I keep the weatherstripping & rollers well lubricated, I don't get any noise.
But, like others have mentioned, my top does make a little noise once I remove & reinstall it.
While waiting for the new latches, I tried a little test.....I completely wiped down the weatherstripping, as dry as I could get it.
But, I re-lubed the depressions where the rollers rest, when the latches are closed.
Guess what? No noise.
As I suspected, (on my car) most of the noise is coming from the rollers.....or, from the friction between the rollers & the metal they rest on. When the body flexes, there has to be some movement at that point.
I wouldn't doubt that there is still some friction noise between the "fixed rollers" on the new latches & the metal.
Last edited by car2fast4you; Aug 5, 2010 at 09:57 AM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,529
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From: Arlington VA
Mine made noise from the factory. When I took the top off the first time, I noticed a gob of grease on the metal portion of each of the front latches, so I kinda smeared it around. After re-installing the roof, its been silent.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,514
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From: Pittsburgh PA
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
It can. Also, the tightness of the rear latch J hook can have a significant impact on noise from the panel.
The order in which you latch the panel on can contribute to the way the panel interacts with the seals around the windshield and b pillar and if the rear latch is tight and causes the panel to tip slightly it can create a slip/stick with the front rollers and gasket.
I always latch the panel in place once I set it in with the front latches first and the rear latch last. Just habit.
The order in which you latch the panel on can contribute to the way the panel interacts with the seals around the windshield and b pillar and if the rear latch is tight and causes the panel to tip slightly it can create a slip/stick with the front rollers and gasket.
I always latch the panel in place once I set it in with the front latches first and the rear latch last. Just habit.
Thanks for the feedback.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,025
Likes: 2,716
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
The GM Bulletin describes using the Superlube on the weatherstripping (see the section on "condition 2") but Paul and others say Superlube should only be used on the metal latch plates. Is there an error in the bulletin?
